After taking two days to contemplate Sheldon Souray's public trade request and what can only be characterized as a scathing indictment of Edmonton Oilers management, GM Steve Tambellini had his say this afternoon.

Unavailable to media after Souray's inflammatory comments ran on Sportsnet.ca, Tambellini issued a statement via a news release at 4 p.m., saying very little and pre-empting his own availability with local media that's scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Rexall Place.

As per the release:

“Sheldon’s comments are unfortunate and counterproductive, but we are going to manage through this in a responsible and professional manner.

"We understand Sheldon has had a tough year and he has a desire to play elsewhere. His additional comments regarding being 'forced to play' when injured are far more serious and my stance is that they are demonstrably untrue.”

Atta boy, Steve. You tell him.

THAT'S IT?

Given Souray's accusation the Oilers made him return from a shoulder injury before he was ready to play to start the 2007-08 season with a freshly inked $27-million contract in his hip pocket, you'd think that Tambellini might have fired back.

Considering Souray essentially called Tambellini a lousy communicator who never even bothered to talk to him while he was recovering from a broken hand this season, you'd think Tambellini might have served up something today that would disprove that. But no.

Perhaps a page from coach Pat Quinn, who offered this about Souray in his meeting with media this morning.

"It's been no secret here," Quinn said of Souray's discontent and desire to be traded. "He's made it clear for a long time.

"I'm one of those guys that if you don't want to play here, don't screw around. Get the hell out."

Added Quinn: "If you have one guy sitting over there who doesn't bloody well want to be here, how do you build trust? How do you have a team? You don't. Sheldon knows how I feel about that sort of thing."

UPDATE: OILERS PICK FIRST!!!!

As per Oilers news release:

The Oilers have been awarded the first overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, being held in Los Angeles June 25-26, 2010.

The Oilers received the right to pick first overall when they won the NHL’s Draft Lottery, held Tuesday night in New York City.

“This is a significant moment for the organization and its an important part of the process moving forward. We have the first overall pick in this year’s draft,” Tambellini said. “This is a very exciting time for our organization and our fans. Securing the first overall draft selection tonight provides a tremendous opportunity for the Oilers."

The 2010 NHL Entry Draft will mark the first time in franchise history the Oilers will select first overall.

The Draft Lottery is a weighted lottery system to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the NHL Entry Draft. It gives the teams that finish with the fewest points during the regular season the greatest chance of winning the Draft Lottery.

Only the 14 teams that do not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, or clubs that acquired those clubs’ first-round draft picks, participate in the drawing.

Fourteen balls, numbered 1 to 14, are placed in a lottery machine. The machine expels four balls, forming a series of numbers. The four-digit series resulting from the expulsion of the balls is matched against a probability chart that divides the possible combinations among the 14 participating clubs. The Lottery was incorporated in 1995 by the NHL.

Listen to Robin Brownlee Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jason Gregor Show on TEAM 1260.

A sports writer since 1983, including stints at The Edmonton Journal and The Sun 1989-2007, I happily co-host the Jason Gregor Show on TSN 1260 twice a week and write when so inclined. Have the best damn lawn on the internet. Most important, I am Sam's dad. Follow me on Twitter at Robin_Brownlee. Or don't.

Mr Brownlee,
What is your problem? Let T. speak...you know he has to hear the complaint then react to minimize the negative.
He's not there for your sound bites...or OIl
Nation ... he has to look after the Oil.

I think RB is trying to tell us something, but I cant tell what it is...

I'm confused too.

When RB mentions joining the circus, I assume that means signing with Edmonton. And the dislocated spine thing shouldn't be an issue. As we all know, this managment team has a way of getting the most out of injured players.

I think the size of Seguin and the fact he is a center gives him the edge, also like he said in the interview he is going to be working out hard in the off season. Plus Hall brought up the ugly word CALGARY FLAMES.

Is this really a reason? Really look at all the childhood photos of Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Igninla in Oilers gear. IT DOESN'T MATTER.

Stauffer was going on last night about a trade with the Blue Jackets. Hemsky & Tencer were in full sell mode for the rebuild, so us sheep tend to follow.

If we made that trade Hemsky fo #4 & a player, it would be interesting to see what we would pick. Connolly a talented big winger (if we don't pick Hall) or a Dman like Fowler, Gudbranson, Gormley, Pysyk or go off the board & pick Nino Neiderreiter.

Boston have already stated they have a player they like and if they trade their pick it will be to move up. Do you think it's possible to get their 2 first round picks to move up and would you want to do that?

Problem found - now can Katz take steps to correct, or are we going to continue to suffer from players exodus on a worsening basis ? We are inundated with a managerial and coaching teams of old draconiian business management (from top to bottom )teams and practices trying to compete in the new corporate culture world that is vastly superior to it in every way . Oilers are a perfect example of the old draconian business model and how ineffective that style is in addressing todays workforce and place , the human element , communication lines , and speed and rapid adjustment to the rapid changing demands of it's employees . The new business models addresses the motivation , flexibilty and human elements of it's entire workforce and gives them the tools to succeed . Each problem , and especially feed back of it's employees is merely an opportunity for the company to improve itself either in it's business and / or addressing it's human issues . Old style simply fails in those areas . Yes our managerial and employee problems will only worsen if they do noyt adjust to the vastly superior culture that is taking the world by storm . They are probably aware of it , but still lack the ability to impliment it to any effective degree . Quinn's tirade was a perfect example of "old school" ! No matter how you slice it our problems will stay rear their ugly heads so long as we stay married to the old style business format . We will continue to stay at the bottom as the new style of business said would happen . Lets hope tey clean up the major problems with new business direction to fit into the demands of the new workforce , rather than put a "gag" order on it and further chase them and others away prematurely . That's it in a nutshell -we need to impliment and form a managerial and coaching team that is effective in implimenting the the new corporate culture out there to maximize any success in the future !

I don't see the need for Tambellini to go off on Souray because that solves nothing, BUT, he should have either responded immediately to Souray's comments -- like when Spector asked for the Oilers side of the story -- or come up with a rebuttal with at least some teeth if he was going to wait. This response is both a day late and a dollar short.

As far the argument that a tougher response by Tambellini would only lessen Souray's value, that's dubious. Souray's injuries, his cap hit and his public trade request have diminished his value to next-to-nothing already.

While it may or may not lessen the value I really can't see it helping anyting other then people outside of the organization feeling good about the situation.

It's interesting to note that Seguin did not have a single goal in the first fifteen games of the 08-09 season. Then there was a coaching change and he was moved to the first line. After that, he took off. Especially in the last twenty games when it would appear that he became very comfortable in the role. During that twenty game span, he had 15 goals and 22 assists. This year, he continued to dominate.

Don't get me wrong, Hall looks to be a superstar in the making, but Seguin has shown real growth as well, and I do believe he has more upside. I can easily envision Seguin gettin up to 200 pounds in a couple years, not to mention that he's a right-handed shot that could also help us in the faceoff dot somewhere down the line. Not to mention that Hall has linemates that both made the Canada junior team this year. Seguin played with...

So if the Oil pick Seguin, I will be pleased. And if Brownlee and Stauffer are leaning that way, I would say it's the best bet.

Eat that Crash!!!

Ummmm, eat what Bombay? That you will be pleased if the Oilers take Seguin? That Brownlee and Stauffer are leaning that way? What?

What is it I'm supposed to be eating here?

I don't begrudge anyone on who they prefer...you, Brownlee and Stauffer may like who you like...but if it's ok with you I'll like who I want to like and when the debates come up on the two I will make my points just as the Seguin backers make theirs...

If Boston really wants Hall and they really do, because of Orr and the connection. I really wouldn't mind us trading the 1st overall to Boston for the 2nd overall pick and Boston's 17th. Plus if we want a scoring winger who has tons of talent but has an attitude then the Russian kid Kirill Kabanov might be available at 31st. Its going to be an interesting spring/summer, June 25 is only 72 days away!!

Better to draft adults rather than large children. The "new" culture is basically baby culture and will end up getting its clock cleaned by older more "eyes on the prize" cultures. Hockey is a team game, soothing the "I" hurts the team. Until the players learn team before "I", there is no team. Quinn is right, no matter how politically incorrect. Until the Oilers get players who understand team and the sacrifices needed for team, they will never win. I know "me first and only" is the current fashion but it is a loser fashion. Money and fame are wonderful things, I admit, but teams always beat individuals no matter how talented the individual. The team doesn't need "Souray" or any other individual. Even Gretzky, the best player who ever lived (so far) could not win cups all by himself. The team with the best player never wins a series, the team with the best third and fourth lines, and 5th & 6th defencemen win. The number one is an important piece, no doubt, but until the bottom half of the team is greatly improved the Oilers will win nothing.

Yes, it is just you.
Bob can say whatever he wants because he's got 30 teams to cover and his gig is different than that of beat writers and those who cover a particular team in any given city.

You call it bickering, but having the GM of the team you cover sit silent without commenting on what Souray had to say when his comments referred specifically to management, then offering up a generic comment in a news release two days late doesn't give the local reporters much to work with, and that's our jobs.

Tambellini has not made himself available to the media on a timely basis this season. That's his call, but when it prevents reporters from doing their jobs, he's going to hear about it.

Yes, it is just you.
Bob can say whatever he wants because he's got 30 teams to cover and his gig is different than that of beat writers and those who cover a particular team in any given city.

You call it bickering, but having the GM of the team you cover sit silent without commenting on what Souray had to say when his comments referred specifically to management, then offering up a generic comment in a news release two days late doesn't give the local reporters much to work with, and that's our jobs.

Tambellini has not made himself available to the media on a timely basis this season. That's his call, but when it prevents reporters from doing their jobs, he's going to hear about it.

So then isn't it the media's job to find the info from other sources from within?

You know I don't here too many Gm's making too many statements. What has Gillis had to say this year? How about Sutter who calls conferences just for the heck of it. The only one that talks in Canada on an on going basis is Burke.

When did Tambo go to Toronto? Was that maybe not a reason why he didn't make himself available on this? I thought Tencer or someone mentioned on Monday that Tambo plans on having a presser Today?

And to go off topic, wow is there alot going on other then the playoffs. Atlanta cleaning the coaching staff out, Jerry Reinsdorf getting one step closer to buying the Yotes. Us getting that pick. TB cleaning house.

Have to agree with Mr. Brownlee, the Oilers are the authors of their own problems. I know what others say is unimportant as long as they spell your name right, but if the team will say nothing in their own defense, then they can't expect others to defend them. In the lack of giving out real information,or at least their spin on it, then the Oilers will have to live with speculation, like it or not.

I guess another thing is I can see where Tambo is coming from in terms of keeping a tight lip organization. After the Heatley debacle and others, something needed to be done so that we aren't hurting the players on this team by having their names tossed around like a salad.

That said - if no money was involved I would take that trade as Redden is a Lloydminster boy and from all accounts a pretty good person and a decent defender. He's just a 2.5 million a year defender, not a 6.5 million dollar defender like he is being paid for the next four years.

Speaking of bad contracts. I was looking at the Rangers with their Seven million cap hit for Drury (gross). That is a way worse contract than Horcoff. He has never had Horc's production, and even this last season Horc outscored him.

The info from other sources?
Souray's comments were in direct reference to Oilers management and Tambellini specifically. He's the GM.
So, if Wanye calls you an as*hole, what's the best way to go? "Hey, Brownlee, what do you think about Wanye calling Ogden Brother Jr. an as*hole?" or "Hey, Ogden Brother Jr. Wanye called you an as*hole. What do you think?"

What has Gillis had to say this year? What Vancouver player has said, "Our management sucks and the GM doesn't know how to communicate?" Same with Sutter.

Tambellini had time to comment before he went to Toronto. And if you think meeting with us today, three days after Souray's comments, is timely and acceptable then you know nothing (or don't care) about the job we have to do.

The info from other sources?
Souray's comments were in direct reference to Oilers management and Tambellini specifically. He's the GM.
So, if Wanye calls you an as*hole, what's the best way to go? "Hey, Brownlee, what do you think about Wanye calling Ogden Brother Jr. an as*hole?" or "Hey, Ogden Brother Jr. Wanye called you an as*hole. What do you think?"

What has Gillis had to say this year? What Vancouver player has said, "Our management sucks and the GM doesn't know how to communicate?" Same with Sutter.

Tambellini had time to comment before he went to Toronto. And if you think meeting with us today, three days after Souray's comments, is timely and acceptable then you know nothing (or don't care) about the job we have to do.

Half the time people forget the junior so they would be calling the Orginal Ogden and arsehole. And if someone calls me an arsehole, I don't ask Orginal about it, I come on here and ask the person about it and go from there.

Don't get me wrong I care about the job you guys have, but I care about my Oilers alot and if Tambo decided to what a few days instead of making a knee jerk reaction then so be it.

Why would Tambo make that reaction before talking to Souray, which I believe he did yesterday?

Things are getting blown way out here and I think its obvious that in this instant the media is using their past relations with Tambo and slamming him for it.

Reading the story over at the Toronto Sports Network site, 95% of the comments are from Leaf fans. They fall into three categories:

-Those who are rushing out to buy a gun so they can shoot Brian Burke for "the worst trade of all time." (It's not, but if they finish in the lottery again next year there might be an argument...)

-Those who are rushing out to buy a gun and shoot themselves, realising that 2067 is going to be a 100th anniversary.

-Those who already shot themselves but, rather than dying, only got severe brain damage. They're out there claiming that Kessel will score 60 a year for the next 10 years, that Hall and Seguin will be busts, and that Bozak is the next Sid. Those ones are my favorites.

Souray is all class. That's why he and Spector had their article released the day before the draft lottery. GET THE F out Souray, and stop bringing us fans down as a ploy to get your broken ass out of town. Shouldn't have gotten into a fight, and we could have moved you quietly, you self centered ass! MAN the f up Shelly!

I ask this, would you have preferred Tambo to have a press conference yesterday talking about the first overall pick before the lottery was done? Then having the Oilers end up losing the lottery making Tambo look like an idiot for jumping the gun?

Do you know if it's standard practice for the GM to not participate in the exit interviews with the players?

I found it odd that Tambellini would be on his way to Toronto for some face time on TSN when the Oilers were going through their exit interviews. Particularily considering one of the accusations by Souray is that this management group falls short on communicating.

Not too mention that niggly little detail of Tambellini being the guy that has to make the call on what is to be done with this collection of players moving forward.

How much would it cost to buy out Souray ? Instead of taking a bad contract back. Would it be easier to move Nilsson or Patty O or Souray?

I don't think they need to do any buyouts. The players listed all have value, and Nilsson and O'Sullivan have youth as an upside and superior talents as well. Sure they won't fetch much, but soem GM's might take a chance if the price isn't too high.

Souray can be traded, the Oil will just have to take some salary coming back the other way.

My real concern is Tambellini overvaluing his players and waiting all summer to "assess". He needs to realize what he does and does not have and fill holes. If Phoenix can make the playoff with a well balanced roster and no stars to speak of, then so can the Oil.

I don't think they need to do any buyouts. The players listed all have value, and Nilsson and O'Sullivan have youth as an upside and superior talents as well. Sure they won't fetch much, but soem GM's might take a chance if the price isn't too high.

Souray can be traded, the Oil will just have to take some salary coming back the other way.

My real concern is Tambellini overvaluing his players and waiting all summer to "assess". He needs to realize what he does and does not have and fill holes. If Phoenix can make the playoff with a well balanced roster and no stars to speak of, then so can the Oil.

""My real concern is Tambellini overvaluing his players and waiting all summer to "assess" ""

Valid concern but I did hear Renney during what I think was an intermission interview during one of the last 2 or 3 games where he quite confidently stated that there has been enough time to evaluate the players and got the impression they know exactly who is who going forward....just my impression of the interview.